Decades-Long Rights Battle Over 'Macross'/'Robotech' Is Finally Over: What This Means
Long-suffering fans of Robotech and Macross finally have their deal. Big West and Harmony Gold announced that they finalized their global distribution deal. It only took three decades. Language from the actual press release:
“Tokyo based BIGWEST CO., LTD. and Los Angeles based Harmony Gold U.S.A. announced an agreement regarding the worldwide rights for the legendary Macross and Robotech franchises. This expansive agreement signed by both companies on March 1, 2021, ends two decades of disagreements and will allow Bigwest and Harmony Gold to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential of both the Macross and Robotech franchises worldwide. The landmark agreement immediately permits worldwide distribution of most of the Macross films and television sequels worldwide, and also confirms that Bigwest will not oppose the Japanese release of an anticipated upcoming live-action Robotech film. The agreement also recognizes Harmony Gold’s longstanding exclusive license with Tatsunoko for the use of the 41 Macross characters and mecha in the Robotech television series and related merchandise throughout the world excluding Japan. Moving forward, both parties will cooperate on distribution regarding future Macross and Robotech projects for the benefit of both franchises.”
History of the franchise(s)
During the early years of anime, it was common to re-edit original Japanese animation for Western audience consumption. For example, many casual fans of Voltron may not know that it is actually a few different shows in one. Toei Animation cobbled together the Voltron I grew up on from such shows as Beast King GoLion.
The same is true for Robotech. That incredibly popular show resulted from combining Superdimension Fortress Macross with the wholly unrelated but similarly titled Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada. Harmony Gold purchased the rights to these three disparate mecha anime franchises from Tatsunoko Productions to create the Robotech brand. Except that Macross was co-owned by Tatsunoko Productions and Big West. Other studios, Studio Nue and Tatsunoko Production, were also involved in the dispute.
Sorry Star Wars, but Macross is a better space opera. At its center was a love triangle, transforming advanced robotics, aliens, and now classic J-pop tunes against the backdrop of galactic battles. At its height, Macross was the hipper cousin of the older Mobile Suit Gundam franchise.
Impact of the Feud
American fans of Robotech experienced quite a long period of frustration. The mixed bag of ownership resulted in a 30-year dispute about what exactly was included in Harmony Gold’s original licensing agreement. The clash did not stop work on the main parent franchise, Macross, in Japan itself. Big West went on to create several Macross films and television programs that never officially aired on Western media.
Information on the show’s creation was relatively unknown to Western audiences when it aired, especially to child fans. After the show seemingly concluded in America, fans wanted more but had no avenues to satisfy their curiosity. Yours truly thrived on creatively acquired bootlegs watched wildly out of order.
In the meantime, the rise of the internet age allowed more avenues to source material. Fans gained more knowledge about Robotech itself, but it all felt a bit directionless.
Moving Forward
This deal is the biggest news in classic anime since Netflix added Neon Genesis Evangelion. The work of Shoji Kawamori and Kazutaka Miyatake will finally be seen by American audiences. Long-suffering fans, who are now adults, can finally share their love of Robotech/Macross in its entirety with a new generation.
The more significant impact is, of course, on the toy market. With the updates to the distribution deal, new toy deals will surely follow. eBay has classic Robotech and Macross toys for sale at a premium. New toys will ensure younger audiences will get a chance to be hooked into the franchise too.
Stay tuned to Culture Slate for more news and follow-ups as details unfold.
Source(s): Collider